Major investments to improve cross-border links, introduce Vande Bharat services and upgrade safety infrastructure
Guwahati: The Northeast has emerged as a key focus of the Union Railway Budget 2026–27, receiving Rs.11,486 crore for infrastructure upgrades and connectivity projects, signalling one of the region’s largest-ever rail investments. Railway works worth Rs.72,468 crore are currently underway, aimed at improving passenger services, freight movement and cross-border trade.
Among the highlights is the Northeast’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Kolkata, expected to significantly cut travel time. Two international rail links — Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse, will enhance connectivity with Bhutan and strengthen economic ties.
To address frequent train–elephant conflicts, the Railways will deploy intrusion detection systems, optical fibre networks and AI-based thermal cameras for improved wildlife safety.
Beyond the Northeast, eastern states have also secured substantial allocations. West Bengal has been allotted Rs.14,205 crore, with projects including the proposed Varanasi–Siliguri bullet train corridor, the Dankuni–Surat freight corridor, and the expansion of the Kolkata Metro network.
Odisha will receive Rs.10,928 crore, supporting projects worth Rs.90,659 crore, alongside six Vande Bharat and six Amrit Bharat trains. Bihar has been granted Rs.10,379 crore for ongoing works exceeding Rs.1.09 lakh crore, including a bullet train route linking Varanasi, Patna and Siliguri and several new semi-high-speed services.
Jharkhand, with Rs.7,536 crore allocated, will also see multiple new trains and major infrastructure upgrades. Together, the investments aim to accelerate regional growth and build faster, safer and more efficient rail connectivity across eastern and northeastern India.
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